Nostalgia, Ultra

Nostalgia, Ultra
An orange BMW E30 M3 in plain sight amidst lush greenery.
Mixtape by
Frank Ocean
ReleasedFebruary 16, 2011
Recorded2010
GenreAlternative R&B[1][2]
Length42:06
LabelSelf-released
Producer
Frank Ocean chronology
Nostalgia, Ultra
(2011) 		Channel Orange
(2012)
Singles from Nostalgia, Ultra
  1. "Novacane"
    Released: May 31, 2011
  2. "Swim Good"
    Released: October 18, 2011

Nostalgia, Ultra (stylized as nostalgia,ULTRA. and occasionally nostalgia/ultra) is the debut mixtape by American singer-songwriter Frank Ocean. It was released on February 16, 2011.[3] Ocean was inspired to make the mixtape after Hurricane Katrina in his native New Orleans and his subsequent relocation to Los Angeles. After joining alternative hip hop group Odd Future in 2009, he self-released the mixtape, without initial promotion. Nostalgia, Ultra has a unique R&B aesthetic and features surreal themes and nostalgic lyrics. The songs mostly focus on interpersonal relationships, personal reflection, and social commentary. Following its release, the mixtape received rave reviews from music critics. The cover features a picture of a bright orange BMW E30 M3, Ocean's "dream car", in plain sight amidst lush greenery.[3]

In May 2011, Def Jam announced its plans to release the mixtape as an EP on July 26, 2011. However, the release of the EP was indefinitely delayed in July 2011 and has since been cancelled. Two singles were released from the aborted EP version: "Novacane", and "Swim Good". Both songs received music videos directed by Australian director Nabil Elderkin. Ocean embarked on a solo concert tour through North America and Europe to promote the record, playing a total of 7 shows. In addition, his 2012 performance at the Coachella Music Festival included several live renditions from the release including "Strawberry Swing" and "Lovecrimes".

The mixtape appeared on several music critics' and publications' end-of-year albums lists. Controversy arose in March 2012 over the song "American Wedding", a remake of the song "Hotel California" by American rock band Eagles. Because of the Eagles’ legal action, Nostalgia, Ultra is still unavailable on Spotify, even a decade since its release; it is considered one of the most famous and acclaimed albums not to be accessible on the streaming service.[4] Recording artist Kanye West was reportedly a fan of the mixtape, which led to Ocean appearing on the album Watch the Throne. Subsequently, Ocean collaborated with artists Beyoncé and Jay-Z after they were introduced to the mixtape through West. Following its release, both Ocean and the mixtape have developed a cult following. The mixtape was followed by the release of Ocean's debut studio album Channel Orange to even greater critical acclaim in 2012.

  1. ^ McCloster, Niki (August 23, 2011). "VIXEN Boombox: Alternative R&B Playlist". VIBE Magazine. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. Retrieved April 23, 2016.
  2. ^ Abebe, Nitsuh (August 15, 2011). "R&B Records With an Indie Affect". New York. Archived from the original on March 20, 2020. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Dombal was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Holmes, Charles (February 16, 2021). "The Making of 'Nostalgia, Ultra'—and the Unmaking of R&B". The Ringer. Archived from the original on October 7, 2021. Retrieved October 7, 2021.